Over the past couple of decades, more and more sport utility vehicles rolled off dealer lots onto the roads and highways. The preference by consumers for SUVs seems logical from a functionality perspective, but it comes with a potential deadly side effect for pedestrians.

At the same time, distracted driving continues to plague U.S. roads. This only further increases the dangers faced by pedestrians. Some hope that advanced vehicle safety features provide the answer.

Surge in pedestrian deaths

According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of people on foot killed across the country in motor vehicle accidents in 2018 was higher than in nearly three decades. Similarly, pedestrian deaths in accidents involving SUVs jumped a staggering 81% from 2009 to 2018, per data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Bigger vehicles, more severe impacts

When hit by a small vehicle, a pedestrian may experience the most impact in their legs or hips. They may also flip onto the hood of the vehicle. When hit by a tall SUV, a pedestrian may experience the greatest impact in their head or torso where their vital organs are. Instead of flipping onto the hood, the pedestrian might slide under the SUV.

Advanced technology, not-so-advanced results

Consumer Reports explains that one study conducted by AAA found some new vehicle technologies that tout pedestrian safety to seriously lack the ability to truly keep people safe.

Test vehicles driven at 20 miles per hour and equipped with systems to detect pedestrians and automatically stop the vehicles were reviewed. In daytime conditions, the vehicles only avoided hitting an adult-sized dummy in a crosswalk in 40% of scenarios.

There was a recent accident along a Knoxville highway, and a motorcyclist lost a life. Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles are common, and motorcycle riders receive the majority of injuries and fatalities.

Either motorcyclists or motorists can be at fault when accidents occur, and there are some safety tips both parties can follow to reduce crash risk.

Accident on I-40 kills motorcycle rider

According to the Knox News, around 9 pm on June 2^nd, a motorcycle crashed into the back of a passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, the rider was dead by the time help arrived. No one else suffered from injuries due to the crash.

Motorcycle accident stats

According to the National Safety Council, there has been a 200% increase in motorcycle deaths over the last 20 years. Even though only 3% of registered vehicles are motorcycles, they account for 14% of all traffic-related fatalities. 91% of those who die are male, and 28% of fatalities involve alcohol use.

Safety tips

Although investigators have not released more details about who was at fault for the Knoxville crash, the NSC reports that it is usually the driver of a motor vehicle who maneuvers into the path of a motorcycle. This is often because motorists do not think about motorcycles on the road, and they are more difficult to see due to their size and narrow profile.

Drivers should do a better job of looking for motorcycles, but the riders of motorcycles also can do their part. They should wear reflective and bright clothing to increase visibility. They should also ride defensively, stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots and avoid weaving into lanes. Motorcyclists can also reduce more serious injuries by wearing a helmet, ankle-high boots and durable clothing.

Bicycle accidents occur at various times, from the early morning hours to the nighttime and on different days of the week. However, the risk of an accident is especially high during certain periods. For example, many bicyclists are involved in accidents on the weekend.

For starters, many people ride their bikes on the weekend when they do not have to work. Moreover, some ride for very long distances when they have the entire day off. If you regularly ride your bicycle during the weekend, or at any time, watch out for reckless drivers and various hazards.

Risk factors

On the weekend, many drivers like to go on road trips, increasing the odds of driver fatigue, speeding and unfamiliarity with the road. All of these factors make drivers more likely to collide with bicyclists and many lives are lost every year as a result of driver errors and negligence. Often, major events occur on the weekend, which sometimes result in chaotic and unusual traffic. Bicyclists are especially vulnerable when traffic becomes hectic.

Recovering from a wreck

When a bicycle accident takes place, it is crucial for victims to have a firm understanding of their legal options. Many are able to secure crucial financial resources by taking their case to court and holding the driver who caused the accident accountable. However, the correct approach to a lawsuit is pivotal. If you are trying to decide whether legal action is a smart move or you want to learn more about your rights, make sure you carefully evaluate your circumstances. Our law firm covers many other topics related to accident injuries and options available to many victims.

When people get behind the wheel of a vehicle, they take on a responsibility to drive safely, stay alert and protect other motorists on the road. Motorists should avoid distractions while driving, get plenty of rest and never drink and drive. Those who do not take the rules of the road seriously may end up taking the life of an innocent person.

This is what recently happened on Dolly Parton Parkway. A 26-year old man lost his life when a car crashed into his vehicle, causing it to start on fire. The man was trapped within the burning car, and first responders were unable to get him out. The man was stopped at an intersection when the 30-year old woman hit his car. She was speeding at the time. A law enforcement officer witnessed the accident and said that the intoxicated woman was driving at high speeds then suddenly turned in an attempt to stop at the intersection. The woman was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI and booked into jail.

One bad decision made by a negligent driver can take the life of a friend or loved one. People who choose to drink and drive should be held responsible for their thoughtless actions. If you are going through a similar situation, you may want to consult an attorney in Tennessee who is experienced in handling cases involving motor vehicle accidents and driver negligence. An attorney may help you organize a case that will bring justice to your situation.

Source: Knox News, “One dies in car crash on Dolly Parton Parkway, other driver arrested for DUI and vehicular homicide,” Allie Clouse, Mar. 15, 2020.

A rollover accident is a very serious situation that often results in fatalities or serious injuries. Vehicles do not have a design intended to provide safety when rolling over onto the roof. Because of this, rollovers are a particularly dangerous type of accident. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation explains that this violent type of accident is almost always something that officials can link back to the interactions leading up to it between the driver, vehicle and road. More so than other types of crashes, rollovers are commonly single-vehicle accidents, which means that you are responsible for avoiding them and understanding what can lead to such a crash. 

Typical circumstances 

Rollover accidents are most common in vehicles that have a higher center of gravity, such as an SUV or a van. They happen most often on two-lane roads with speed limits of 55 miles per hour or more. Most of these accidents are in rural areas. 

It is also common for rollover accidents to happen during routine driving activities. What this means is that you are most likely to have such an accident when you are just driving down the road without any interference from another vehicle or anything else that may lead to an accident. 

Common factors 

The biggest factor that contributes to rollover accidents is bad driving behavior. Distracted driving, for example, usually plays a role because rollovers often are a result of a loss of control. 

Alcohol is the most common factor in a rollover accident. About half of all accidents will involve alcohol, which affects your ability to control your vehicle. 

Speed is also a common factor in this type of accident because it affects your ability to control the vehicle and adjust to changes in the roadway or environment. When speed is a factor, it is more likely that you and your occupants will die in the crash.